Two TMCP workers arrested for tearing Swami Vivekananda’s poster at college in Bengal’s Malda; one still absconding

Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) Two activists of Trinamool Congress’ student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), have been arrested for allegedly tearing up a poster with Swami Vivekananda’s picture and also kicking that poster publicly at a college in Malda district of West Bengal. Recently, a video clip went viral on social media, where the three TMCP activists associated with Samsi College in Malda district, were seen tearing a poster of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) first and then trampling on it.

As the video clip went viral, there were severe reactions over the actions of the TMCP activists. The police started an investigation in the matter and identified the three persons involved in the act.

Thereafter, the police have arrested two of the three people involved in the matter namely Debojit Saha and Arijit Ravidas. The third accused in the matter, Tariq Anwar is still absconding. A police search has been launched to find him.

Meanwhile, seeing the situation as untenable, Tariq had already posted a video message on social media apologising for his action.

Giving his reactions in the matter, the ABVP’s organisation president in Malda (North), Prasun Chowdhury, alleged that during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime, TMCP activities had burnt down the picture of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at Chanchal college also in Malda district.

“They are yet to get over such nasty habits. On August 22, they tore the picture of Swami Vivekananda. They tried to send a bad signal by tearing and trampling on the ABVP flag. They also proudly uploaded this video on social media. On August 23, we filed a written complaint against the accused at Chanchal police station. The police took immediate action. Both of them have already been arrested. The main accused, Tariq, is still absconding,” Chowdhury said.

Demanding immediate arrest of Tariq, he also said that Swami Vivekananda is the idol of the nation and ABVP will never tolerate an insult of his picture.

To recall, in 2024, TMCP activists had burnt down the picture of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at Chanchal college in Malda district. The development resulted into massive protests led by then Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and the current West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari

Facing all-round criticisms, the police were forced to arrest the then president of the TMCP’s Chanchal College unit.

–IANS

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